Rangers steal march, Celtic reopen talks, Hibs miss out, Hearts sign 24y/o - Scottish transfer news

Rangers steal march

Rangers have emerged as frontrunners to sign Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil. According to a report in the Sheffield Star, the former Black Cats captain is leaning towards a move to Glasgow with Rangers said to have ‘stolen a march’ on Sheffield United in the battle for the 24-year-old's signature.

Neil skippered Sunderland to promotion last season but has made only two Premier League appearances this term after losing his place, and the armband, to summer signing Granit Xhaka. Rangers manager Danny Rohl is a keen admirer of Neil having come up against him while in charge of Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.

A loan deal for the remainder of the season with an option to buy is understood to be on the table. That could have a knock-on effect in terms of a departure for Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell, with Sheffield United a possible destination.

Rangers have also been linked with a loan move for 20-year-old Barcelona winger Dani Rodriguez.

Celtic reopen talks

Celtic are set to reopen talks with Hadjuk Split over a move for midfielder Niko Sigur amid interest from rivals Rangers. That is according to The Celtic Way, who state that the Canadian international has been sounded out by both Old Firm clubs but would prefer a move to Parkhead.

The 22-year-old, who can play defensive midfield and right-back, was originally reported to be ‘one step away’ from joining Celtic earlier before the deal stalled when Wilfried Nancy was sacked after just 33 days in charge. The final decision on whether to proceed rests with Martin O'Neill, who has been appointed as manager until the end of the season. Sigur has made 101 appearances for Hadjuk Split, scoring five goals and bagging three assists. He also has 15 caps and two goals for Canada.

Celtic are also said to be in negotiations with Crystal Palace over a loan move for winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The 23-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan with Rizespor in Turkey where he contributed four goals and one assist in 13 appearances.

Aberdeen sign goalkeeper

Aberdeen have made their fourth signing of the January transfer window with the capture of Norwegian international goalkeeper Per Kristian Bråtveit. The 29-year-old joins the Dons on an initial 18-month contract and will provide competition for Dimitar Mitov following an ankle injury sustained in training by Nick Suman, which is expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period.

Dons sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel said: “When we learned the extent of Nick’s injury, we moved quickly to sign Per Kristian, whose contract with Strømsgodset had come to an end last month. He is an experienced goalkeeper, having played extensively across several strong leagues and clubs, and he also has senior international experience with Norway.“

Hearts sign 24/yo

New recruit Marc Leonard is in the frame to be pitched in for his debut in one of Hearts’ biggest matches in several decades against Celtic on Sunday. The 24-year-old left the Jambos academy as a teenager in 2018 to join Brighton but it was announced on Friday he has returned to the title-chasing Edinburgh club on loan from Birmingham to ease their midfield issues.

Leonard is set for involvement in Sunday’s top-of-the-table showdown with Celtic as Hearts, whose last league title success was in 1960, eye a victory that would take them nine points clear of the defending champions.

Manager Derek McInnes told Hearts’ website: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to get Marc in and bolster the squad. Marc knows the club, he knows Scottish football, what it means and what’s at stake, and that is a really big positive for me. He’s clearly a very good player and he was keen to come here and be part of something that could be very special.”

Hibs to miss out

Hibs and Motherwell are set to miss out on a move for Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan. The former Scotland midfielder has told team-mates that Saturday's Championship game at Bristol City will be his last for the club. Wednesday have been in administration since October and are looking to sell players this month to keep the club afloat. The 36-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, has made 434 league appearances for the Owls since joining in August 2015.

Hibs and Motherwell were both keen, however, Sky Sports claim that Millwall are now frontrunners to sign Bannan on an 18-month deal. Wednesday are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table on minus seven points, having been deducted a total of 18 points for their financial breaches.